Jean Lucille Gummerson, 90, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at 5:27 p.m. Monday, August 21, 2023 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg.
Jean was born on April 25, 1933 in North Henderson, Illinois, the daughter of Fredrick P. and Zella E. (Stickle) Cole. Jean graduated from Knoxville High School in 1951 and went on to marry Harold Eugene Gummerson on April 16, 1952 in Galesburg. He died in March 1981. Jean is survived by one daughter, Dorothy (Kenneth) Walters, Sr. of Galesburg; five grandchildren, Ric Wixforth, Jr., Derek (Ashley) Wixforth, Kenny Walters, Jr. Kyle Walters, and Jessy Walters; twenty-two great grandchildren; and two great great grandchildren. Jean is also survived by one brother, Jack Cole of Galesburg; and one sister, Grace Courtright of Galesburg. Including her husband and parents, Jean was preceded in death by two sisters, Ruby Melton and Mary Rynearson.
In 1994, Jean began working for Waste Management, retiring in 2018 as an accountant/office manager, with 24 years of service. Jean enjoyed staying active. Growing up on a farm, Jean always had a large garden at her home. She received her Master Gardener certification from the University of Illinois. Jean was a longtime member and served as president for many years of the Prairieland Gardeners; was a member of Credit Women International; and a devoted member of Bethel Baptist Church. Jean enjoyed being at home spending her evenings sitting in her chair watching the news.
Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Friday, August 25, 2023 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 p.m. Burial will be at Knoxville Cemetery, Knoxville, Illinois. A funeral luncheon will follow at the Thomas Legacy Center at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family in c/o Dorothy Walters. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
